By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.

In a historic move to strengthen engagement with Nigerians living abroad, the House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora Affairs, in partnership with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has launched the Nigerians in Diaspora Response (NiDRes) Application and Web Portal.

The launch took place on Monday, October 27, 2025, at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja, during a high-level Stakeholders’ Engagement on Diaspora Governance (NiSEDiG 2025), themed “Legislative–Executive Partnership in Diaspora Governance: Harmonious Working Relationship Towards Productive Diaspora Policy.”

Declaring the session open, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, underscored the vital role of Nigerians in the diaspora in driving national development.

“The diaspora community remains one of our greatest catalysts for progress — from remittances to innovation,” he said.
“This engagement marks the beginning of a continuous partnership between lawmakers, the executive, and our citizens abroad.”

Abbas emphasized that the legislature will review and strengthen diaspora policy frameworks in 2026, ensuring that Nigerians abroad have a stronger voice in shaping the nation’s future.

Hon. Tochukwu Okere: “NiDRes App Will Bridge Communication Gaps”

Speaking to journalists at the launch, Hon. Tochukwu Chinedu Okere, Chairman of the House Committee on Diaspora, explained that the new NiDRes mobile app and web platform were designed to improve communication and service delivery for Nigerians abroad.

“The NiDRes App provides a direct communication channel for Nigerians in the diaspora to submit reports, suggestions, and inquiries,” Okere said. “This innovation is 98% ready and will go live immediately after this event.”

He added that the app would not be used for diaspora voting but would serve as a central platform for engagement, data collection, and issue resolution. However, he disclosed that legislative work on diaspora voting was already at an advanced stage and could be concluded by the first quarter of 2026.

Dabiri-Erewa Commends Lawmakers, Highlights Broader Inclusion Goals

Also speaking at the event, Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, praised the House Committee for pioneering the collaboration.

“This is the first time we are having this level of engagement with the parliament,” she said. “With the NiDRes App, communication will be faster and more effective. The diaspora can no longer be ignored — beyond remittances, they are catalysts for holistic growth.”

She revealed that the Commission had also launched a Diaspora Data Portal to facilitate registration and policy planning, describing it as a foundation for eventual diaspora voting and broader inclusion.

The engagement brought together lawmakers, diplomats, technocrats, and Nigerian professionals across various continents — both physically and virtually.

Discussions focused on strengthening legislative–executive collaboration in diaspora governance, promoting inclusivity, and institutionalizing data-driven policymaking.

House Reaffirms Commitment to Diaspora Integration

The 10th House of Representatives reaffirmed its commitment to building a “structured, transparent, and sustainable relationship” with the diaspora community — recognizing their contributions to education, healthcare, innovation, technology, and the nation’s global image.

Lawmakers hinted at forthcoming bills and initiatives, including:

The Diaspora Voting Bill, to grant Nigerians abroad the constitutional right to vote in national elections;
The creation of a Diaspora Education and Investment Committee; and
Policies to simplify investment procedures for Nigerians abroad in sectors such as technology, green energy, and agriculture.

The House also plans to introduce a Reverse Brain-Gain Program, enabling Nigerian professionals abroad to contribute to national development through short-term expert residencies.

A New Era for Nigeria’s Global Citizens

With over 17 million Nigerians living abroad, the launch of the NiDRes platform signals a new era of inclusion and innovation in diaspora affairs.

Both the House of Representatives and NiDCOM pledged continued collaboration to ensure that the voices and expertise of Nigerians abroad are effectively integrated into national planning and governance.

“Other countries have successfully harnessed their diaspora power. Nigeria must not be an exception.